Just in case you missed the signs, the Vermont election primaries are happening real soon. For most of us this stage will determine the ultimate winners because we live in a district dominated by one party or the other. But there is a much lower turnout for the primary than the general election in November, with the winners chosen by a concentrated number of core party members, on separate ballots showing only their own party. Often, our only choice in the general election is between one extreme or the other.

If we want to change that so that all candidates for the general election are chosen by all of the voters be sure to ask candidates about their stand on single ballot primaries. This would list all candidates on the same sheet with only the top winners continuing on to the general election. Party First candidates will resist this change because it means sharing their concentrated power with all voters. Hopefully, we can find enough Democracy First candidates to make some real change. Check out the openprimaries.org website for more info.

Now go out and vote accordingly on August 13th.

Chris Goodrich

Bridport